The New York Herald Newspaper, December 27, 1853, Page 4

» NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, PROPRIECOR AND EDITOR, ' OFFICK W W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU 8Y6. | 2 AMUSEMENTS TOIS EVENING. METROPOLITAN BALL—Juvisen's Concent. \ BOWERY THEATRE, Bowory- Ory 4pam—New Youx | Bru exs—Cwenry avy bain STAR. BROLDWOY TREATRE Grondway—CaTanacr OF Tum @axor— wn Rexpezvous. RUMTON' | THEATER, Cher bere treet Maw wrrn tae | Minere ) ain) LAek Ano Waite —Muxay—Onuisriggs | mm Tet | Lees Tine. BATIONsL THEATRE, Chatham strest—Attermeos— Lateie Katy. Lreniog—t vous You's Canim pacha WATLSCK'S THEATRE, Broadway--Gaur oF Lare— Sup lac asp New Tome AVERICAN MUSETM—at —Uncie Toms Caney. rnoea—Hor Conn, Evening RYOADWAY MBNAGDR/E—Sramese Twore ass Wito v8. ROW FRY AMPHITEEATRE, $7 Bewery.—Seuesrawy Purvouwaxcrs. CARISTY'S AMERTC\N OPERA HOUGS, 472 Breed- wry. EewicPiAN MELODIES BY CURISTY® MINSTRELE, WOOD'S MINSTRELS, way. Ermu0viAN Mins: 9) Minstrel Hall, 444 Broad: AUCKLSY'S OPERA ft USK, 59 Broa¢way.—Buce- mays LeWOrtan UPaka TRouPrz. BANVARD’S GEORAMA, 586 Brecdway.—Paronaus or rug Lory Laxp. RUENISH GALLSAY, 6% Brosdwey.—Day and Evenica, | WIGNOR BLITZ,—Srvuvvesant Exsrirurr, 659 Broad- wr. | ACADEMY HALL, 665 bo adwer.—Peanawe Grrr Ex- merrion oF THE SEVEN NILE SrmROR. BOPE CUAPLL, 718 Broodway —Jowns’ Parrosoore. RLD IN MislATURE—Brosiway, corner of December 27, 1953. Malls tor Europe. THR NEW YOSK WHEKLY HERALD. The royal mail steamship Asis, Oayt Lott, will leave tis port a 12 o’cl.ck to morrow, for Livepool. Subsoriptious and acveitiements for acy edition ef the Max York Hxzaxp will be received at the following pisces fm Farce: Lavenrcoi—John Hunter, No. 2 Paradise street. Lompox—Ké wards, Sandford & Jo., No. 17 Cornhill. Wm Thomas & 09, No, 19 Catherine street, Vaxw—Livingston, Wells & Co., 6 Hace de la Bourse. B. H. Revoil, No 17 Bue de Ia Banque. The Evropean mails wi.) close at belf past tem o'clock ‘We-morrow morning. ‘The Wikkiy Huxsrp ail! be published at balf-past nine @clock to-morrow morning Sing} copies, in wrappers, mixponce. Tho News. The Pacific, from Liverpool, arrived at this port yesterday afternoon, bringing our Loadoa correspoa dence and files to the 14th instaat, and Paris advices of the 13th. Toe ews is of a highly important and very exci- ting character. [t appsrs tha; the Turkish suc- cesses by land in Asia nave been followed by a naval defeat upon the Asiatic coart of the Black Bea, by which Admiral Osman Pacha, commanding the fu'- tan’s fleet, lost thirteen vessels of war, a large nam- wer of men, with a great amount of treasure and military stores. The first accoants of tris eogage- ment came from Odessa, under date of the 5th ia- stant, apd was supposed by many persons, both n London and Paris, to be mach exaggerated. Bat the victory was the absorbiog topio in every cirsle, and aused a profound sensation on the London ‘Caange and Psris Bourse. We give elsewhere what is ea'd to be an authentic oopy of the peace proposal of the allied powers, with the Jatest Moldo-Wallach’an reser pt of the Czar. Advices {rom Paris state thas another plot agaiost ‘the lite of the Emperor had seen discovered, and large number of airests were made on the 10th in- stant, upon which eveuing over @ hundred persons were in custody. Madrid ietiers ioform us that, upon the 10th of the preeent mouth, the sittings, of the Cortes were sus- pended in a summary manner, by a royal decree, and that a revolution was apprehended in that capital. Advices fiom Australis to the 29th of September had reached England by the Victoria. Bhe had one bundred and eighty-four thousand oances of guld va freight, a:d ubout twevty thousard oances ia the ‘bands of the passengere. The news from the colo- Bies ia very encouraging for miners and laborers. Markets were rather heavy. The rural districts Borth of Sydvey were very prosperous. We have further news from 'ndia and China Pegu remsined j1 @ very unse'tied state. General ‘Godwin, the English commander, was deal. Cholera had appeared at Bombay. Trade was improviog in Culcutta, Fighting etll went on in Amoy aod Sharghse. Great ex itement prevailed at Whan po in consequence of the death of a Chinese ‘women in prison, and the Americans had to protect ‘the Brvish Vice-Cossul. Our inteiligence from Washington to-day, thoagh interesting to politicians, is not particularly impor tant. General Cuse is represented to be quite indig pant becanse of the rumored intention of tue Presi- dent to appoint Mr. John L. O'Sullivan Charge @’ Affaires to Portugal. The venerable Senator from Michigan, it is asserted, openly declares his deter- Mination not only to oppoge this bnt all otoer ap- pointments that do not fully and fairly come within the bounds of true netional democracy. Tae Presi dext ond some of his Cabiset advisers are raid to be wating to the real designs of the Marcy orzan in up their designs so easily; om the ¢ pntraty, should he not vacate the place, we way 60g bear of one of the wost savguinery religious 1 ots that ever dis- graced the peges of our country’s history. Governor Andrew Johuson, ef Teunessee, trans mitted bis annwal messoge to the Legiclatare of the State on the 19h inst. It widi be sees that the Gov- ertor bas called the atte don of ibe Legis'ature to three important amerdiaents which be preposes te the constitution of the United States; the first of which is, io make the e’ection of President inoam bent upon the popular voice, giving each repreven. tative district one vote, as is uow te case, but placing the candidate directly before the people, ard oing away with the electors. The seooad pro- pesivion is, to elect United States Senators by the patlots of the people who are extiled to vote for mem bers of the State Legislatures. The third ia, w Aiwit the term of holding office e? the judges of the + Supreme Court of the Waited States to twelve years, instead of, as now, for life. The Governor says that these were the doctrines of Jefferron and Jackson, Whose opirions are ut ali times entitled to the respect and consideration of the American people. Colector Pcaslee, of the Boston Custom Horse, has ectifed five or six «flicers that their places will be filled by new appointaents next Monday. Ip the United Stites District Court aittiog in Philadelphia, on Saturday last. Judge Grier deliv- ered an opinion in cpposition to an application by Mre. Yarrict Beesber Stowe tovestiain F. W. Taomas from pubisbing a German tran+lation of “ Urele Tom's Cabia,” Mrs. Stowe alleging that it was an in- fringement of her copyright. The Judge coatend- ed teat # taxslation from one language into auother was no transgression npon the right of copy, aod thore were ouly celled pirates upon the property vested in copyrght who print or pub ish copies of “anot 's book without license. The Judge says that Uncle Tom apd Topsy, the creations of the genius aud imagination of Mra, Stowe, are as much public propesty a8 Don Quixote and Sivcho Panza, and may be used and abused by translators, imita- tors, playrighte and poeis, with as mueh freedom as they would the English translation of the Holy Bible. He says a translation may be called a trans cript or copy of her thoughts, bat ia no sease can it be calied a copy of her book. Mrs. Stowe's bill was therefore dismissed, ond the lady required to pay the costa. So our German citizeas wll be permitted to re2d “Uncle Tom's Cabim’’ in their native language without baving to pay for the stamp of Mrs. Stowe ‘A block of buildinge, occupied by seven or eight small stores and a large number of families, was to- tally destroyed by fire at Amsterdam, N. Y., on Snn- dsy morning. Several tenants, who were asleep at the time the flames broke out, very narrowly escaped with theie lives by jampicg from the upper windows. The entire Jozs will not probably exceed twelve thoa- sand dollars. Mr. Hayes, the Keeper of the poorhouse at Groton, Muss., lact Sunday vight murdered his w'fe and three cbildren, and completed the awful tragedy by cutting bis own throat. Politicians, prilosopbers and commercial men, a3 well av the general reader, will find much to interest them in our columns to-day, es will be seeu by the apnexed summary of a portion of the contents:— Particulars of the Christmas Festivities in this and ather cities; Account of the awful Explosion of the steamer Marlborough at Charleston, by whic) four teen persons were instaotly killed, and three others dreadiully injured; the Persecution of Gen. Scots by | the free soilers; Speech of Gov. Coob at a meeting in Georgia, &. The News from Europe—War In the Ascendant. The city wasstartled yesterday afternoon by the news that a terrible naval battle had beea fought on the Black Sea, that the Turkish squadron had been utterly destroyed, and that the Ruseian fleet, victorious, though severely punished, had returned in triumph to Sebas topol. The usual contradictions render it a matter of some difficulty to elicit the true state of the case from the couflicting reports which have reached us. It appears certaig, however, that on the 30th November, the Rus sian fleet under Admiral Nachimow attacked a Turkish fleet under Osman Pacha, off Sinope, in the Black Sea, and defeated it after a sbarp engagement of an hour’s dura tion. The Turkish force engaged is variously estimated. Some accounts place it as high as seven frigates, two steamers, two corvettes, and several transports. Others assert that it only consisted of three frigates and two small steam- ers. Whichever estimate be correct, the victory was deemed so important by the Russians that Menscbikoff started for St. Petersburg as s00n as tbe news reached him tocommunicate the pleas- ing intelligence in person to the Emperor. On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that the bulk of the Turkish fleet, with Admiral Slade, and the British and French squadrons, are still lying quietly at anchor in the Bosphorus. The vessels engaged inthe battle of Sinope had been detached from the main command to carry troops, stores aud treasure to the Turkish army at Batoum, in Asia. The report, therefore that the whole Turkish fleet had been destroyed, must be dismissed as a groundless exaggera- tion. The excitement caused by the news in Paris and London can readily be conceived. The Times ot levgth calls for decisive measures; and, without mentioning the word ‘‘war,” indi- cates very unequivocally that no otuer course bat a declaration of hostilities against Russia by the Western Powers is consistent with the continuing ite warfare upon the promicent members of the democratic party. The object of the foray, it is whi: pered, is to harrass the rivais of the Secretary of Stale until they are either driven from the Presi dential field, tally annibilated, or forced to leave the party ranke. Preparations ere making for we passage by Congress of a number of patent righ's which Lave been rejected by the Commissiover. One of ovr special correspondents promises to furnish @ synopsis of these patente, which are valued at from five to ten millions of dollars, in a day or two ‘The death of Mr. Brookins Campbell, member fron the first district of Tennessee, will be anounced in Congress to-day: consequently, no busivess will be trapeacted in either h suse. Birbop Bedini, the Pope’s Noncio, appears to ereate confusion and excitement in almost every city he visiis in the West It was but a few days ago ‘that we chronicled the violent demonstratioas of op- position to him in Pittsburg, and now we learo that @ still more bold and dangerous stand has beea as aumed sgainst bim in Cincinnati. It seems that a party of Germans, known as the “ Society o! Pree- men,” took umbrage because he officiated in the eburch of Bishop Purcell last Sabbath. Accordingly, ® body of five hundred of the disaffected eptrits aseembled in the evening, and marched in provession to the houee of the Bishop, where the Nuscio was a guest, with the snpposed intention of summarily aver ging the martyrs ia the cause of Italian Itberty by doing personal violence to Bishop Bedini, who, it is alleged, betrayed the leaders in the revolution of 1848, The police, having been advised of the intentions of the Germans, stationed them. selves in fall force in the vicinity of the scene of the comtempla‘ed hostilities, and as the procersion came up the officers rusbed forth and a mort devperate conflict ensued, in which many shote were fired and the air was made to resouad with the shonts of enraged combatants aud the lamenta- tions of the wounded. After # most feariul stenggle sixty of the Germens were captured, and the re mainder were put to flight. Fourteen per.ons were wounded, one of whom died ye-terday. The prisoner have been ordered to find bau fortheir appearance w «curton Friday. At noon yesterday the city hun relapred into its wonted qnietress; bat it is hardly piv bable that the vppovente of we Wuncio wil pre dignity of England or the safety of Europe: The mizor journals, which have long been clamorous for war, repeat their invectives against Lord Aberdcen’s peace policy. It was, in fact. generally believed that the ambassadors of France and England would not wait for fresh iustructions from home, but would at once or- der the fleets under their command into the Black Sea. Scarcely less excitement aad mili- tary ardor prevailed at Parie. It cannot be denied that this event gives rise to a new and formidable complication of affairs. By our last accounts the Czar was placed in a mort embarrassing dilemma. The Western Powers had forced Austria and Pruesia into au alliance against him, to be followed by imme- diate hostilities in case the Principalities were not evacuated, and his demands withdrawn; and he had thus to choose between a humiliating retreat and a war that might well appal the most daring sovereign. Successive defeats on the Danube must have added fresh dangers, in his eyes, to the latter course, The discovery of Menschikoff’s blunder with regard to France avd England must have had a strong ten- dency to deter him from further acts of rash- nese. Hence the chances were, that after pride and passion bad struggled for a while. he would suceumb before the united strength of Europe. Now the caee is altered; he will hear that his ficeton which he never placed much reliance, has won « brilliant victory; and he will bear it from Menechikoff, in whose mouth we may rest as- :ured the éelat of the exploit will not be diminished, Ere the first flush of gratification has subsided, he will Jearn the effect of the news in the Weatern capitals, and will perceive that undicguived threats have suceveded to temperate expostulation. It is more than pro- able that his decision may be anticipated by some overt uct of hostility on the part of the combined fleets now in the Bosphorus. Should the Distish yx Freugh equadrons, acting unde: the orders of Lord Stratford or Baraguay @’Hillfers, fire into a Russian vessel, how could the Czar then recede? He has rejected advice and ebut bis ear to warning: can he give way before open violence? Those who know best the temper of the Rus- sian Autocrat will not be likely to reply in the afirmative. It is fur more likely that he will turn all bis efforts at present towards obtaining delay. He wants time to intrigue with Austria and Prussia, Family ties, as well as acommanity of interest, auite him to the reigaing dynasties in both these kingdoms: a little management might possibly detach them from the cause of France and England, and draw them over to the side of the Czar. Their only motive for entering into the qutwdruple alliance was a fear lest their revolationary subjects should invite a French invasion. This feer might be neutral- ized by a promise of Russian succor. At all events the prospects are fair enough, and the reward of success brilliant enough, to induce Ressia to make the attempt. We may tuere- fore expect to hear of Germany being overrun by Russian emisearies, who will spend the winter in an active diplomatic campaign against the envoys of the Western Powers, If Russia should succeed in gaining over Prassia and Austria there is little reom for doubting what its future course would be. A war be- tween Eastern and Western Europe, with Ger- many for a battlefield, would then seem inevi- table. IfAustria aud Prussia adhere to their present allies, the terms of the proposal made to Russia. viz., that her troops should evacuate the Priccipalities as a preliminary to further negotiation, will render it a very difficult matter for the Czar, in his present frame of mind, to accept the proposals made to him. Not the least bitter affront which the Czar will be compelled to digest, it he recedes from the position he bas taken, will be to bow before the parvenu Emperor Napoleon. Lord Palmer- ston’s dictation would be infinitely less gailing than that of the new monarch whose marriage Nicholas would hardly condescend to acxnow- ledge. To be baffled, duped, and foiled at every turn by this tyro io high diplomacy : to see Na- poleon hold him at bay, with all Europe under his orders: finally, to ratreat ignominiously from Wallachia at the bidding of the Emperor of France—these are insults which theCzar is not the man to forget. Austria tells us already that “the nephew” is by no means an inferior diplo- matist to “the uncle ;” the Czar may possibly yet discover that he will bear a comparizon, as a soldicr, with the victur of Moscow. The Era of Libel Suits. We have received further letters relative to what the journals call the “ Great Case of Fry vs. Bennett,’ and in the perusal of our ex- changes we perceive that the action and its re. sults have become a leading topic upon which the newspapers all over the United States ex- press their opinions. The majority of the jour- nale—at least those blessed with editors who understand the law and the fact—condemn the action of the jury, while a few, in whose minds prejudice takes the place of inteHigence, and a lack of knowledge is compengated by a sur- plusage of egotism and stupidity, tell their readers that the verdict was “jast,” and that we will “learn better.” We have shown that both assertions are not only ridiculously ab- surd, but altogether unfounded. We do not purpose, at this time, to discuss the many ques- tions which arise from the present position of the cause. We iake the “ great case” as a pre- cedent, and the beautiful system known as the common law, is founded upon, and works by, precedents almost altogether. We are willing to be martyred, pro bono publico, and murmar not at the law. But we only do our duty to the public by exposing the hypocrisy and im- pudence of two of the journals whose conduc- tors have endeavored to permeate the minds of their readers with a portion of the igno. rance and prejudice which seem to be the prominent traits in their characters. We refer to the Times and the Tribune, the persons who edit these publications having exhausted their vocabulary of abuse upon us and ours, and having gloated with a glee almost satanic, over the result of the suit—one of them having set its expenses at the sum’of fifteen thousand dollars, and the other at seventeen thousand— the last argument clearly showing that they think we were to be “ punished” tor a crime committed, ingtead ofsimply beiug required to remuneraie the party bringing the suit for damages actually sustained. Taking their own, platform as a test by which to judge their own acts, let us see the result of an exami- nation into their manner of dealing, not only with ertisis and managers, but with persons whose station makes their good name more valuable. We iirst examine the record agsinst our youthful and pe-ite friend of the Times. As its circulation has been limited to a class in society, the great body of the people need to be informed as to its doings. The 7'mes indulges in the luxury of what its conductors call a “ musical critie;” and the re- sult ofhis visits to concerts and the opera are adopted as the opinion of the paper, and placed prominently before the public. It is supposed that the public reads the articles. The pulfiic cannot fuil to remember the malignity with which this critic has pursued Salvi. This per- secution has extended over a peried of several months, commencing last summer, when Salvi sang the principal tenor parts in the operas given at Castle Garden. Salvi was censured because he refuscd certain parts, and abused for his style of singing and ac.ing in others. The critic said this man was not a good tenor, but gave norcason why he was not—that he disap- pointed the public from sheer caprice and cou- tempt ; and recently the 7'imes attempted to incite a riot against him if he should “dare,” (that’s the phrase, “dare”) to appear again in public. Now, Salvi is accepted as a first claes tenor singer, an article which is so rare that it commands a great price. If it is injured the damage is in proportion—a high-minded jury wouid most certainly give Lorenzo Salvi twenty thousand dollars, with our case be fore them as a precedent. Who is the next onthe list? A lady—a stran” ger in a strange land, without protector—al” most without a friend. Madame the Baronne de Berg arrived here a short time since. She was, and isa pianiste, and gave a concert in New York preliminary to a tour through the inte- rior. She had many requisites to recommend her to the patronage of the public. The opin- ion of the Henatp was given at the time, aud other journals commended her to the public no- tice. The Times abused her—ealled ber in‘v- rior to.mediocre drawing-room pianistes, and in- ulged in remarks intended to be funny and revere upon pianistes in general, and foreign pianistes in particrlar. Here is @ magnificent case. We think we ae the eyes of the “Idader jor the plaiutii’”’ sparse os be takes up the leading points:—Ist. an attempt to degtroy her musical reputation, and thereby “d amage” her *to the amount which would other @ige avcrue to her in her tour en province; 24, a personal at- tack upon her as a foreigner, and a charge that she attempted to impose upa the public by ber title. instead of charming them with her talent. The “gentlemen of the jury” would have a stroug call upon their sympathy. and to relieve a ‘pretty woman in distress’ would oblige the jearnalist to pay roundly for his attack. De- eidedly. the Times must “learn better,” by be_ ing obliged to pay the Baroness at least fifteen thousand éollars. The 7Z'imes has libelled Mr. Bourcicault, a cceds of these plays depends for support. The Times critic charged that Mr. Bourcicault translated from the French a play (“The Fox which he sold to Mr. Burton asaa origi? nal piece. The Yimes fuiled ia the endeavor to proye this assertion to be true. It failed in the attampt to prove Mr. Bourcicault lias and a thicf Now, Mr. Bourcicault has a first rate re- putation as a dramatist; his pieces are sought tor, and from msuagers of the eighty Awer- icun theatrer, to say nothing ot those in Loadon, Mr. Bourcicault would have received certainly ten thousand dollars for copies uf his play. The Times endeavored to “damage” him to this ex- tent pecuaiarily, to say nothing of the “da- mzge” to his feelings, upon which, according to law. the jury may fix a value. The conciusioa is evident that Mr. Bourcicault must be indem- nified in as large a sum as that which the Ba- roness de Berg is to receive. The Times, a short time since. made severe personal remarks upon nine or ten gentlemen, whcse names are mentioned in the act incorpo- sating the Manhattanville Railway company. The Zins attributed disreputable motives to several of these persons. and charged some ot them with being “tools” of the Common Coun- cil. They were named separately, and gene- relly “held up to the malice, hatred. contempt or ridicule of a portion ot the community;” they were “damaged”’—some of them occupy high official stations. The “intelligent jary” should give them at least ten thousand dollars each. This will do for the Times for to-day. The Tribune is “rejoiced” at the terminatioa of the “great case.” Let us examine the ac- count against it. It has unceasingly libel- Jed everything beld by right-minded men to be true, good, and holy ; and we select a few pro- minent personalities. Mr. Chief Engineer Car- ton bas been libelled, accused of theft, and per- sonally insulted, when he asked the ruler of the Tribune-ites for justice. After a full and pa- tient investigation he has been declared guilt- less. He has commenced a suit against the Tribune; and, judging by the rule in our case, he should receive at least twenty thousand dollars, The Tribune has been unsparing in its denunciations levelled against members ofthe Common Council. The 7'ribune’s voca- bulary of vituperation has been exhausted in its remarks upon their personal and official characters. Many of them are men well knowa in the community—professional men and mer- chants; their characters are certainly of as much and more consequence tian that of an unsuccessful opera manager. They are going out of office, and the Tribune must prepare itself for a series of attacks upon its treasury. Its price will need be more than three cents after a series of intelligent juries shall have given a series of ten thousand dollars damages against it, We have but partially performed our labor oflove. Justice is an expensive article, as the Times ond the Tribune will ascertain. We sum up the causes and damages as far as we have gone, giving @ table of the suits and proper damages in each cause:— es ‘THE TRICCNR. -$20,000 Mr. Carson... ....820,000 15,000 Exght Common Jou 15,000 cilmen, who have beea called Lars, thlaves, pubde plum derers, aad to who other satanic epi- thats have bean ap. Paroneas de Berg, Mr. Bourcicaul Nine ‘tools’? of Common Council, in the Manhatten- ville Railway case, 90,000 The * expenses,” (as they assessed them plind, say $15,000 for U8) sees sees 40,00) 1 TotAl.coeees-oe4-8170,000 There itisin tabular form; ar! considered, the Times’ prospects, (with only $10,000 of the “sinking fund” remaining), are bad, and the philosophers of the Tribune will be obliged to order a new stock of stoicism. Let them have full justice, and “the bond.” They haverecognized in our case a precedent —let them well regard the working of it. Tux ConremrLatep Invasion ov Cuna—Tur GOVERNMENT AND THE Frureusteros.—Conside- rable excitement has been created among all clasées of our community, by the publication in yesterday's Hezaup of a telegraphic des- patch from Washington, announcing that tlie government had been made cognizant of the fact of extensive arrangements having been completed for the immediate departure of in- vading expeditions from New York and New Oxleans for the island of Cuba. It was also stated that orders had been despatched to the proper authorities of those cities for the arrest of some of the prominent parties in the enter- prise, and that it was probable such orders would have arrived too late to prevent the de- parture of a portion of theexpedition. It isnot surprising that the’publication of such impori- ant intelligence, emanating from the Executive department at Washington, should have ex- cited popular interest toan intense degree, nor that the inquiry as to the accuracy of the report should be general on all sides. We were ourselves among the most sceptical of the community as to the correctness and ve- raciousness of the information received by the government. We have been 80 long accus- tomed to hear this filibustero movement spoken ot as being on the very eve of execution, while we were wellaware of the insuperable dil- ficulties with which it is invested, that we felt perfectly confident that the government must have been duped by some alarmist pre- tending to an intimate acquaintance with the plans of the Cuban revolutionists. However, as the matter was one of such signal import- ance to the country, we determined to find out, if possible, how true the story was; and for this purpose we commissioned one of our reporters to make inquries from sources likely to be best informed on such subjects. The report of our attaché confirms our first impressions. Such of the authorities as he could see yesterday—it being a holiday in most of the public offices—-were utterly ignorant of the existence of a band of Caban invaders ia this city, or of the projected departare of auy armed expedition from this port. All they knew was—what our readers are already well aware of—that a number of Cuban exiles in this city have been for a year or two past formed into an association known as ‘The Order of the Lone Star,” and that the objects yout Fopored by thig soviety we to sVolulvacze, gentleman who writes plays, and upon the pro- | by some means or other, their native land, and to | put an end to Spanish domination there forever. | The existence of this society, aud the objects it proposed to accomplish, have been long patent to the world, and have only afforded a | subject for just ridicule by the petty m’ with they would accomplich so difficult an u dertaking. Our reporter, not deriving much enlightenment from his investigations in this quarter, visited the house of one ¢* the | wealthiest and most influential of the Qusan | residents, who, from his well knowa sentimenis in favor of his country’s independence, and | | from the active part he takes in the proceedings ofthe Junta, must have known better than any other person whether the information of the government was well founded. In fact, if the principal men involved in the eaterprise were to bave been arrested, ay our correspoa- Cent states, the person visited by our reporter would have been, most likely, the first to whom the Uuited States Marshal would have paid bis respects. However, the geatieman from our ofice, who called on him Jast eveuing, had the pleasure of seeing that he was in the gujoy ment of his personal liberty, and had also the gratification of learuing that neither he nor any of his compatriots felt th® slightest apprehension of being arrested for a viola tion of the laws of this country. He assured our reporter that no portion of an expedition, 60 far as he was aware, had recently sailed or was about to sail from New York or New Or- leans to invade Cuba, and that the information received by the government to that effect waa gross}y erroneous. He did not attempt to con- ceul the fact that some of the principal men of the Coban Junta were endeavoring to raise funds and procure sympathy and support from the American people in favor of revolutioniz- ing the island of Cuba; and be entertains the pleasing hope that their efforts wi!l one day be crowned with success. The only symptom that we conld disecrn yes- terday of the projected invasion was the appear- “the parks were #o thics ia the viciaity aa to assume tho ance in Broadway of a fine looking military com; , about one hundred and fifty strong, marching to the Jacobite air of the White Cockade. and undér the banner of the Lone Star—the revolutionary emblem of Cuba. This really splendid looking company is enroll- ed under“ the title of “ihe Rynders’ Gre- nadicrs,” from which we wonld infer that they have been raised by or in hoaor of the redoubtable captain who figures so con- epicuously betimes in Tammany Hall, But as they were to have been reviewed by our worthy Mayor in front of the City Hall—and only missed that honor by their own want of punctuality, and the unwillingaess of our sen- sible chief magistrate to remain waiting for them too long on such a cold day—we may safely set it down that they have not rendered themselves liable to penalties for such an infrac- tion of the constitution as an ilJegal invasion of Cuba: To be sure there was something sus- Picious in the fact that they were accompanied by some thirty or forty Creoles a8 guests; but this simple circumstance is too slight to impli- cate them in the serious offence respecting which the government has received the infor~ mation in question. On the whole, therefore, we think we may safely assume the responsibility of stating that this information was, at all events. premature. The Cabinet may rest quiet for awhile on that heud, and devote all their care to the kitchen politics at Washington, the popular mind may resume its ordinary serenity, and Captain General Pezuela need not be violently alarmed as to any immediate estoppal being put upon bie honors and profits from this quarter. When the Cuban Junta bas been able to raise fands for the prosecution of the enterprise we shail Bive due notice thereof to all concerned; but until that remote time we would advise all parties to keep cool. A Great Man in Israci—Joun Van Buren.— In looking over the present party organizations in this city, we find that, though the old parties of 1852 are substantially broken up, they have something more at present than their ueual city committees. The whigs keep their colors fying bravely, though their late graad army has suf- fered the disasters of a Russian campaign. But, then, we bave the Buffalo free soilers in full oc- cupation of Tammany Hall, while the old line democrats have taken refuge in an obscure cor- ner of the Stuyvesant Institute, up Broadway. Yes, while Johbu Van Burea, Joba Cochrane, the Cambrelengs, the Purdys, and the Swack- hamers, bave usurped the laie party sanctum of St. Tammany and the coal-hole, the old Sa- chems and the Old Guard are driven off to hired lodgings. Such are the victsitudes of party politics. What a change in the cage of John Van Buren since 1848! What a remarkable, unexpected. and most extraordinary change! In the cam- paign of 1848 John was the very head and front—the great apostle, prophet, and preach" er of the Buffalo free soilers. Like a veritable Mahomet, he wandered about the country, preaching the abominations of slavery, and brandisbing the old breeches of Marcy, to the astpnishment of the old women of the rural districts, But John, in that campaign, steered clear of the Pewter Mug. and" uever once put his nose inside the doors of Tammany Hall. He would come into the Park at some free soil gathering for Van Buren and Adams, crack a joke or two, and be off again. Now behold him He is the Great Mogul of Tammany Hall—tbe anointed champion of the coalition spoilsmen around him—while the old chiefs of the national democracy have been compelled to take up their quarters among the Egyptian antiquities of the Stuyvesant Institute. They had suffered, and bungered,and endured many privations for the sake of principles. and now absolute starva- tion stares them in the face—as far as the spoils are concerned, Well, John is a great man ina certain way. He can change his platform as readily as his old coat or his boots, and with the coolness of a philosopher who knows that he is right all the time. His conscience is easy and elastic, for whether among the abolitionists at Buffalo, or just from the kitchen Cabinet at Washing- ton, John Van Buren is still the same; whether for principles or the spoils, he always carries with him the air, the bearing, and the expres- sion of an easy conscience and a full stomach. Such a man finds no difficulty in standing on two or three platforms at the same time, or in changing from one to another. In this respect the Prince possesses more flexibility ond versatility of character thao Seward himself; but, though a faster man than the arch agitator, and thongh taking a different route from that of Seward. it is quite possible we may bave them both astride of the sme pony before the eod of another year, Mean- time, we must keep an eye upon the Cabinet, upon Seward. upon John, and upon the new dy- nasty of Tammany Hatt, Things are too com- fortable uere nyw by last loag. ANOTHER EXTENSIVE CONFLAGRATION. THRILLING SPECTACLE. feveral Buildings Destroyed in Frent Street. Kumerous Vesseis on Fire at the foot of Dover Street. HIP GREAT REPUBLIC BURNED. TOTAL PES) RUCTION OF TWO OTRER LARGE SHIPS Immenre Quoniity of Canvass and Spare. Consumed, &e, Sew &e. Abcut midpight our city bessme the soeno of one of the most terride if not the most destrat confiagra~ tions with whith we were ever visited, Tue flames were | firet discovered in a butting in the rear cf No, 244 Froat strest, oorusied by Monsra, Troadwell & Sous, cracker bakers. Owing to a stiff breeze from the West the dames spread very rapidly, ave in a comparatively short sprce of time bo Irthe front and rear buildiegs, with most of their coptents were consumed. Ths adjoieiog premises, No. 242, occupied by Mernrs, Jones, Rowlsad & Oo., flour dealers, avd No, 248, Mr. D. W, Manwaring, were destrey- ed, The tour store of Messrs. Harris & Co., No, 240, wao alo centroyed While the fire was reging in the above named locality, appearance of raiuing fire The streets and docks along the Kast river were literally alive with burning ovs's. ‘The sier at the fooi of Dver atreet was at one time co- yerec to the depth of some iaches with fire, and the rig- ging ani masts of the numerous vessels lying im the stream wore cc1opletely enveloped in fying sparke, The geamen sn¢ obra strenuously exerted theruselves to prevent the canvaes from igniting, but in most instances the bip wind rendered their efforts useless. Aboot half pest one o'clock the maging of the stupen- cous vew ship Gig’ Republic tock fire, Owlmg to the fmmenre height of her masts it was ispossibie for the en gives To play upon tre flanies, and the con equence was that the falling spare soon set her deck ina blaze, At three o'el'cx her forewant fell, knocking her mainyard out of the slings, and shortly after the matamast came Cown acrose the dock. Her miezennast f llowed, carry- ing with it the spankermas!. The veasel was bow s per- fect wreck belag ore mars of flame abaft the mainmact, From th- rapid manner im which tae flames were apread- ing it was =ppsrent that notiing could save her. She- was still burping ar balf past three and by this tims pro- bably nothing remains of that magnificent floating palnce bnt a charred and blackened hull. Frcin the Great Republic the fire spread to the large ship Joseph Walker, over which the flames ran so rapid. ly ar to bid defiance to ell efforts to save her. Sho be- longed to the black etar I'ne, and may be considered total lesa. A large ship, suppored to be the packet-ship De Witt Clizton or the clipper ship Red Rover, lying next the Great Republic, cavght fire in the rigging and soon became a complete tlize, Ske was towed out in front of the Ca~ tharine Mr-het by one of the Fult@@ Ferry boats, and at- terwards floated up the river. She eventually burned tothe vater's edge, . In aédition to the above, several other vessela—mostly schoone-s and sloope—had their spars and rigging bura- ed. The mejority of them, however, eseaped total de- struction by slipping their cables and drawing out into the rtream, Aboxt two o'clock the fre crossed Front street to Nos, 245, 247, anc 249, occupied by Geo, Newman, beat build- er, R.M Reynolds & Co., flour merchants, and othe; whose pames we were unable te ascertain, Mueh of the propercy in there stores was Cestroyed, and at the time of going to press the flames were still raging with great impetaori'y, althoveb it was thought they would be-con. fined to these buildiags. The horses on South atrest ware in immiaent danger, axd mavp cf them were considerably scorched. Tao wind blew a perfect gale during the three hours that the- fire rage, prior to sending this sheet to-press. Of course it war imp -* ible at the late hour of the might to procure even a 1»: fety of the particulars of this catas- trophe, or give anything like a descrip‘ion of the thrilling reene. A full account will be published in our evening dition. Persecutrox oy Genrrat Scorr.—tIn another column will be found a characteristic article from the free soil organ of the administration at Albany—the .4tlas—denouncing the pro- posed creation of the rank of lieutenant- general, as a compliment to General Scott. We trust that men of all parties will read it. What effect it may produce on the public mind, with regard to the measure now before Congress, we can hardly predict; but it tells plainly enough that both Mr. Marcy and his Albany organ are afraid of Generat Scott. Such is their dread of the old soldier's name that they cannot allow him to rest in peace in the retirement he has chosen. They must set their “dogs of war” on him in his retreat, and persecute him in his privacy. General Scott can well afford to smile at their insidious attacks. There are in his career points and elements which no calumny or cen- sure can kill. He bas been unfortunate; has been severely tried in the course of his life. His misfortunes aud his trials have cach in its turn been chronicled in these columns. But neither the one nor the other afford a pretext for pursuing him into the quiet retirement in which he now lives, opposing no one, rivalling” no one, interfering with no one, but cheerfully submitting to the stern decree of the p2ople at the last election. The bitter and relentless per- secution of which he is the object, may produce one remarkable effect. Whether it succeeds or fails in obstructing the passage of the law creat- ing the new rank, is a matter of very little con- sequence cither to the country or to General Scott. A mere title can add no fresh lustre to his laurels, no new glory to his fame. The sim- ple name of Winfield Scott, with the dates of his battles on the Niagara, and from Vera Craz to Mexico, will be a more illustrious inscription for hie monument than any number of titles. It will, remain—not on the stone or the bronze, but deéply engraven in the history of the coun- try, and inseparably connected with the annals of this continent—long after acts of Congress and military forms have been forgotten. It will be fresh in children’s memory when pro- found scholars and curious antiquaries shall need to brush up their memories to call to mind some trace of one William L. Marcy, who lived about A. D. 1853, and when the last vestige of the party he led and the journals which spoke for it will have mingled with their kindred dust. But if the movement of the 4t/as and its mas- ters may be safely deepised so far as its direct re- sults are concerned, it may not be so with reapect to its ultimate consequences. Persecutton may do what personal popularity, accompanied by erring judgment, failed to achieve; and the abuse of old General Scott may at last arouse a sentiment in the bosom of the country, than which nothing could be further from the wishes ot those who set it afoot. Iuvontaxr to Poermasrers AND Orners-—We understand that, by recent instructions of tae Post- master General, the exchange offices of New York and Boston are required to re; every postmaster tuking wropx rates of postage oa letters to foreign countries. We also learn that from these reports it appears that, besides other errors, a it many let- ters for the continent of Ecrope, marked to go “* via Liverpovl,” or “via England,” are taken by offices tp the intecior st rates a splicadle only to the direct Bremen i This, of course, causes confusion, and ‘ulten resiits in Joss tot @ sender. Persons writing tineot are advised to use light paper, espe- ir Jeiiers are to go through or to zerland, or italy, where the quarter. tor letters (except oy the Prussiau closed fashington Uniov, Dec. 256